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Fire on Russian nuclear sub leaves 20 dead

At least 20 people have died in a fire on a Russian nuclear submarine. Another 21 were injured when the extinguishing system failed to work during sea trials, but navy officials denied there had been any radiation leak.

The Russian Pacific fleet spokesman Igor Dygalo said both sailors and shipyard workers died in the incident, which occurred off the eastern coast of Siberia.

The Russians claim that the submarine itself has not been seriously damaged. Military prosecutors are investigating the incident and it is regarded as sufficiently serious that both the deputy defence minister, Alexander Kolmakov, and the navy commander-in-chief, Vladimir Vysotsky, are flying to the scene.

The submarine, whose name and class have not been revealed, has been ordered to suspend sea trials and return to port in the far eastern Primorye territory, Captain Dygalo said.

"I declare that the reactor compartment on the nuclear-powered submarine is working normally